A Word About Imperial Shih Tzu

The
AKC standard for a Shih Tzu is 9 - 16lbs. The Shih Tzu is not supposed
to be a fragile dog. Correct Shih Tzu are sturdy little dogs with good
bone

The terms “imperial,” "pocket puppy"
and “tiny teacup” are sometimes used to describe undersized
Shih Tzu. The proceeding terms are generally used by unethical breeders
to drive up prices for dogs that do not conform to the standard. These
breeders lure puppy buyers in by using these terms to make buyers think
these puppies are unusual or special. Most certainly special or unusual
Shih Tzu puppies bring a much higher price.

"Imperial"
Shih Tzu breeders have purposely downsized, an already small dog, In the
name of the mighty dollar. These breeders risk the overall health and
wonderful distinguishing breed characteristics that responsible breeders
have worked long and hard to preserve.

Distinguishing
Characteristics

The big, round, dark, eyes
that are perfectly placed on the skull. The big round head that characterizes
the Shih Tzu and what they stand for. When Shih Tzu are downsized they
lose these characteristics. No to mention the Shih Tzu conformation.
What do you have left? I will admit some are "cute" at best
when they are puppies. In my eyes, VERY few are still "cute"
when they grow up. When you look at a correct Shih Tzu (pet or show
dog), you should see that round head and full dark eyes with that warm,
sweet, wide-eyed, friendly and trusting expression.

Health:

Open
Fontanels are an issue when you downsize the Shih Tzu. These puppies
mature slower and are normally sold when their fontanels are still open.
Some never close. These "imperial" breeders admit this and
tell their clients just be careful. If that puppy bumps its its head the
right way, it is dead. A proper Shih Tzu puppy would be fine.

Severe
eye white and wall eyed. The heads on these "imperials" is
very small and leave no room for proper eye placement. Excessively bulgy
eyes is a sign of hydrocephalus (water on the brain)

Suppressed
immune systems (meaning they get sick easily and are prone to severe
allergy symptoms), heart murmurs, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), low
tolerance of anesthesia, & appetite loss, that can lead to more
serious illnesses.

Many "imperial" breeders
claim that their Shih Tzu possess the “imperial” gene. There is no
proof that such a gene exists. Size reduction occurs by breeding the
smallest dog in a litter to another small dog of another litter, and so
on and so forth. This not only creates abnormally small Shih Tzu, but
also puppies that may have health problems. This is not indicative of an
“imperial gene,” but rather of poor breeding practices. Many of
these puppies, when sold, have to be on special diets and suffer from
low blood sugar through their lives.

A responsible
breeder does not advertise an occasional “runt” as an “imperial,”
"pocket puppy" or “tiny teacup” Shih Tzu. These Shih Tzu
puppies are sold as pets, not to be used for breeding. The occasional
runt is just like the other puppies, it is just smaller. The qualities
of the beautiful Shih Tzu are all there, just smaller. These puppies
tend to be healthy and go on to live normal lives just like their litter
mates. A responsible breeder will not sell a puppy that may have health
issues. Responsible breeders do what they can to prevent health issues,
not knowingly produce puppies that may or may not have the above mentioned
issues.

In closing I would just like to say if you
are looking for imperial, teacup or pocket Shih Tzu please keep
searching. The Shih Tzu on this site are representative of the one and
only true Shih Tzu. On occasion I do have runts. The runts are placed
just like any other puppy I have. Just like any other puppy I breed,
They are healthy and will not be placed if there are ANY issues. They look like all my other Shih Tzu, just a little smaller.
They still look like a Shih Tzu because I only breed beautiful Shih Tzu
that conform to the standard.